r/macro_pads

I am looking for a macro pad that allows you to push a button to begin recording keystrokes, push again/another to end recording, and (for example) push and hold a button to save the macro to said button/select button to record said macro.

I am not allowed drivers or online/browser programming. It must be completely built-in. The software that it will be for, is only on a locked-down computer, and not available outside of said computer.

It runs Windows and I will verify the device with IT before using (to ensure it is allowed and safe).

--

Ideally: 3x4 or more buttons, multiple layers, wired preferred (usb or usbc) or wireless/usb dongle - bonus of you can change/add images to the keys

Does not need: knobs, 'text injection' capabilities, wheels, displays (unless the keys don't have editable images/symbols)

--

Price: prefer under $150, but will consider up to $300.

I've got a macro pad set up for dev work but I keep falling off maintaining the profiles. Every time my workflow shifts slightly I have to go back in and remap things, and eventually I just stop using it.

Curious if anyone's found a setup or approach that basically runs itself. I want the keys to be useful in VS Code, different in terminal, different again on Zoom calls, without me having to babysit it.

Is anyone actually pulling this off or is constant maintenance just the tax you pay?

I’m looking for a macro pad thats programmable with either its own software or qmk/via thats cheaper than 40$ that can play soundboards on discord, have a dedicated clip button, and other macros

I'm a special Ed teacher and we've been trying to teach some of our students to type on a computer using talk-to-text. The issue is that the microphones on the school chromebooks aren't very good and keep mishearing things. I am also possibly teaching a "soft coding" class next year, and I wanted to make their own macropads with them. The idea would be to allow them to figure out what buttons would be helpful for them and make using a computer easier.

I was wondering if there's a way to solve both problems at once. Either a macropad with a built in microphone, or a microphone (probably one used for conferences) that has programmable buttons. One of the buttons would be to start listening and type on the screen for them.

It has to be able to "type" onto the screen on its own, as opposed to the PC having a Talk-to-text software of its own. IT MUST BE PLUG AND PLAY. The students have to be able to take this device with them and plug it into a device and use it as a microphone to type.

Obviously this sounds like a raspberry pi kind of thing, but I'm not on that level of custom hardware or firmware creation. Any help on where to get started would be appreciated.

Also, and this is just a preference, if possible it would be better if the switches were optical as opposed to mechanical. Some of the students are limited in their mobility, especially with dextrous strength. Making it easier to press would be better.

Thank you to all who can offer me advice!